YOU fain would know the story of my life? Nay, then you shall divine it from my song -- The weariness of ever-baffled strife; The Joy that fled, the Grief that lingers long; The barren shore, laved by the bitter tide; The vanity of all beneath the sun; The longing, that Fate's mockery denied; The triumph unachieved; the goal unwon; The fleeting moments, vague and sweet and dear As violets upon a grave that grow: -- Is not the whole vain story written here? Then turn these leaves, and you my soul shall know. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO A FRIEND by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD THE LITTLE BLACK-EYED REBEL by WILLIAM MCKENDREE CARLETON SILVER by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE FOOLIN' WID DE SEASONS by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR WINTER HEAVENS by GEORGE MEREDITH |